I am based in San Francisco, Californa, USA and have been the Executive Director of the OWASP Foundation since April 2013. In this role, I supervise the paid OWASP staff in addition to administering all programs and operations of the OWASP Foundation, reporting to the OWASP Board of Directors.

My Primary areas of responsibility include:

Execution of Strategic Goals – build the strategic direction of the organization, in collaboration with the board. Full authority and responsibility to develop, implement, and execute the operational and tactical goals to meet strategic goals.

Program Development and Management – responsible for development, implementation and supervision of programs and services that are consistent with the organization’s mission and strategic direction.

Fund Development/Grant Oversight and Fiscal Management – together with the Board, responsible for development and management of the fundraising and financial strategies of the organization; develops an annual budget for approval by the Board; oversees the management of all funds, consistent with the organization’s accounting system.

Staff Leadership and Management – authority to hire, supervise, manage, evaluate, and terminate staff within the limits of the annual budget that is approved by the OWASP board. Fosters a motivational environment to help staff develop to their full potential and meet their responsibilities.

Community Relations – develops effective working relationships within the OWASP community and other communities such as developer, open source, technical and risk focused communities to foster the growth of OWASP and the OWASP mission.

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Previous work within OWASP

Sarah previously directed conference outreach at the OWASP Foundation, leading both staff and volunteers in event coordination and community outreach. In addition to her direct involvement with the planning, execution and wrap up of global events, Sarah advised the Board on event related policy and assisted the OWASP community in understanding how any policies and procedure apply to them. Sarah also oversaw event budgets and managed Foundation contracts.

Sarah began working for OWASP in November 2010 as part of the OWASP 2011 Global Summit Planning Team. She also provided logistical support during the course of the Summit and compiled formal documentation on the Summit 2011 Outcomes.

Background

Sarah has a B.A. in English from the University of Minnesota, and a J.D. from Hamline University School of Law in St. Paul, Minnesota. She is a licensed attorney with a variety of background experiences that have prepared her for her current work with the OWASP global community including: Practicing Attorney, Judicial Law Clerk, English and Computer Skills Teacher for English Language Learners, and Retail Management.